A magical northern wedding

All the way from America to Sweden

We’re Emily and Sam, a couple who live in Santa Cruz, California, USA, a small surfing town on the California redwood coast. Emily is a mental health therapist working for a charity, and Sam is an electrical engineer in Silicon Valley. We spend our days cycling along the beach, hiking in the woods and having a beer on the boardwalk.

The Proposal: Sam planned a surprise proposal in Central Park during a trip to New York City to catch up with old friends. Emily had no idea that friends from back home would turn up for the big moment, which took place on a bright autumn morning. A string quartet happened to be playing nearby whilst a running club cheered Emily on to say, “Yes!” — and she did!

Wedding Dreams: We didn’t have a set vision before the proposal, but we knew we wanted something meaningful and unique. After visiting Sam’s family in Northern Sweden, we realised that few places would be more special to us than Älvsbyn.

Rings: For Emily — a slim platinum band to match her engagement ring

For Sam — a classic, sturdy 14K gold band, because he’s a bit clumsy

The wedding

We envisaged an intimate, nature-focused wedding with a rustic feel. We wanted to keep it small, but more guests than expected RSVP’d “yes”, which made it all the more memorable! In total, 104 guests joined us in Sweden’s breathtaking Arctic Circle.

Key Priorities: We prioritised our guests’ comfort, focusing on delicious food and plenty of drinks for everyone. Our wedding planner, Pernilla, made sure every detail was just right, including heartfelt vows and a beautiful outdoor setting.

Wedding Venue: Our wedding took place on Sam’s family homestead, a picturesque lakeside property in Älvsbyn, surrounded by gardens, barns and even a neighbouring strawberry farm.

Highlights of the Day: It’s hard to pick just one favourite moment! Our vows, the midnight sun, and that first meal with the perfect wine pairing were unforgettable. Our ceremony took place at 4.00 pm, followed by a cocktail hour by the lake, then a lovely dinner and dancing.

Wedding Style: Emily wore a stunning Justin Alexander wedding dress, whilst Sam chose a light grey suit from Suit Supply. The bridesmaids wore blush, and the groomsmen wore dark grey.

Advice

Hire a skilled wedding planner! Also, write down what’s most important to you in advance, and let that guide your planning. Finally, embrace the moment and go with the flow. It’s your day, so enjoy every second!

Best Tip for Newlyweds: Take your time on your honeymoon and enjoy the transition back to everyday life after such a special time together.

Suppliers

Pernilla, our planner, put us in touch with talented professionals:

Photography & Videography: @rebeccalundh and @martinalundborg.se captured our vibe and natural moments.

Tents & Facilities: @samelandsresor provided elegant tents, toilets and comfortable outdoor furniture.

Decoration: Pernilla (@pernillaohlund.se) also took care of the décor, bringing our vision to life perfectly.

Hair: Hilda and Emma @nyansbyhilda @nyansbyemma created beautiful looks for the wedding party.

Make-up: Josephine @studiojowa made Emily look stunning, even with a busy schedule.

DJ: Move Entertainment — Ove played everything from Latin jazz to modern pop seamlessly.

Transport: @granbergsbuss transported our guests safely to and from the venue.

Catering: We enjoyed delicious food from @arvidsjaurrenslakt, @skatauddens_lantgard, @uddenshembageri, and @centrumkonditorialvsbyn

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